Penn College Students Again Among ‘Best of the Best’ in HVAC

Published 09.22.2017

News
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
Student News
Construction & Architecture

Pennsylvania College of Technology students have received two of the six $5,000 national scholarships awarded this year by the Oil and Energy Service Professionals and its co-sponsors.

Penn College winners are Thomas E. Daros Jr., of North Salem, New York – now a three-time recipient – and Garth J. Reish, of Millheim.

Daros is enrolled in heating, ventilation and air conditioning design technology and Reish is a building automation major. Both already hold associate degrees in HVAC technology, and Reish also has a certificate in plumbing.



Penn College student Thomas E. Daros Jr., of North Salem, N.Y., celebrates a third OESP scholarship award with his father, Bob, owner of Heritage Fuel and Propane in Croton Falls, N.Y..Garth J. Reish, of Millheim, a Penn College student awarded one of six national scholarships, joins Mike Hodge, chair of OESP’s Education Committee and regional service manager at Griffith Energy Services Inc., Frederick, Md.They received their awards during OESP’s national convention in Hershey, which was also attended by Richard C. Taylor, associate professor of plumbing and heating.

Applicants were required to write 500-word essays about their background and how it prepared them for success in their chosen field, and where they see themselves in the next five to 10 years.

“As we all know, this is a field that one simply will never know everything, so I find myself learning every day and plan to learn for the rest of my life,” wrote Reish, who is well on his way with relevant work experience and military service – including a deployment to Kuwait. “My future goals are to obtain a job with Honeywell and move to the Carolinas … (and) to pursue a master’s degree and additional certificates that will help me excel in my career.”

Daros, the son and nephew of heating-oil company owners, said he experienced all aspects of the business from a young age.

“When I was growing up, I had the opportunity of a lifetime, and I never realized how great of an opportunity it was,” he wrote. “My father’s experience in the industry goes back for nearly 30 years, and my uncle’s experience follows at close to 28 years. I was fortunate enough as a child to ride alongside my father on service calls, eventually becoming a part-time worker during the summer and winter breaks throughout high school.”

He also is eyeing an eventual master’s degree, hoping to become a teacher for future generations entering the industry.

The financial assistance comes from the organization’s Dave Nelsen Scholarship Program, established in 1999 to recognize an OESP member’s commitment to education. The scholarship is awarded to students who attend (or are planning to attend) a technical college or trade school, pursuing careers in the oil and energy industry.

“We are extremely proud of the 2017 Dave Nelsen Scholarship recipients,” said OESP President Ralph Adams. “These individuals are the best of the best, and we are confident that they will continue the legacy of Dave Nelsen.”

Originally known as the National Association of Oilheating Service Managers when founded more than 60 years ago, OESP comprises professionals who serve the energy needs of the Northeast.

For more about HVAC majors in the School of Construction & Design Technologies, call 570-327-4518.

For more about the college, a national leader in applied technology education and workforce development, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.